What you need to know about computer eye strain glasses
Digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition that’s becoming more prevalent as we continue to advance our technology. In this modern age, the entirety of our lives revolve around our various devices. Be it browsing, emailing, texting, reading or working, all of it happens while looking at a screen. Apparently, we spend more time looking at screens than we do sleeping. The average person in the UK sleeps for six and a half hours a night and yet spends approximately 6.63 hours in front of various screens. Do we need anti blue light glasses and if so why?
All of this screen time exposes us to blue light that has the ability to cause considerable harm to our eyes including digital eye strain. Blue light is the part of the visible spectrum that has the shortest wavelength and has the highest amount of energy. Visible light from the sun is made up of many different components but blue light or high-energy visible (HEV) light is the most harmful part. Blue light exposure at night can cause disruption of the circadian rhythm and insomnia. Additionally, blue light can damage photosensitive cells and affect vision. There’s also increasing evidence of the role that blue light plays in the development of CVS. To prevent and combat the occurrence of digital eye strain, computer eye strain glasses are gaining more and more traction.
What is CVS?
Computer vision syndrome encompasses a whole set of problems that are caused by the prolonged use of devices like computers, tablets and mobile phones. Anyone who has spent a number of hours in front of a screen has probably experienced some degree of CVS. Just like any other repetitive task, continuous and prolonged use of computers can place a lot of strain on the eyes and the body. The amount of strain felt depends on a number of factors including:
- Lighting conditions in the room
- Distance from the screen
- Sitting posture
- Presence of glare on the screen
- Improper viewing angles
- Existing vision problems
- A combination of some or all of the aboveGenerally, symptoms of digital eye strain or CVS occur when the visual demands of the task being performed exceed the capacity of an individual to perform them comfortably. Most of us are therefore at risk of CVS since our eyes weren’t designed to stare at digital screen devices for hours each and every day.The most common symptoms associated with CVS are blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, eyestrain and neck as well as shoulder pain. Fortunately, most of the visual symptoms are only temporary and will fade after you stop using the digital device. Some people may experience continual symptoms like eyestrain and blurred vision even after they stop viewing the screen. In such cases, action has to be taken or else the reduced visual abilities will continue to recur and even worsen in the future. One of the best ways you can deal with CVS is by using computer eye strain glasses.
How do computer eye strain glasses reduce CVS
These are glasses that specifically function to reduce the amount of eye strain experienced while looking at a computer screen. We generally look at computer screens from an arm’s length (approximately 20 to 25 inches), and this distance falls into the intermediate zone. The intermediate zone lies between near sight and distance sight hence the more common prescription lenses that correct nearsightedness and farsightedness won’t necessarily help you when it comes to using a computer. Furthermore, just like regular glasses, one type of lens won’t solve everyone’s problems so you need to find a lens that will perfectly suit your needs. By using the correct computer eye strain glasses, you will have a clearer vision and no need to lean over or squint your eyes to see clearly. This significantly reduces the risk and symptoms of CVS.
Computer eye strain glasses also come with tinted lenses and coatings that help filter out blue light. Blue light has high energy and shorter wavelengths than the other components of visible light. As a result, it tends to scatter or flicker more than other types of light and is not as easily focused. Looking at screens that emit blue light for long periods of time causes you strain your eyes due to the resulting reduced visual clarity. By filtering out blue light, computer glasses help you focus on the screen effortlessly and reduce the chances of eye strain.
Effective Computer eye strain glasses are also equipped with an anti-reflective (AR) coating that reduces reflections and glare coming from screens and lighting sources. These glares occur on the front and back surfaces of your lens forcing your eyes to repeatedly try focusing on them as you look at your screen. This eventually leads to eyes strain.Minimise over-exposure to blue light
Computer glasses reduce the risk of CVS in many ways including filtering out blue light. To find out more about Ocushield's computer eye strain glasses click the hyperlink.
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Current Version
September 30, 2020
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